Clonmel Warriors

The Clonmel Warriors played their fourth game of the season in Tralee, Co. Kerry versus theTralee Titans on the 14th of August 2010. The Warriors would eventually come out on the wrong side of a 43-35 score line, however, the Warriors were happy about their performances as the team was missing four players who would have started. The Clonmel side also racked up 35 points with just six players - the number of points were a season high. The side was let down by defence as they allowed 45 points to a high scoring Tralee offense. The Warriors had three players playing out of position although the Titans were indeed difficult to stop. What follows is a brief outline of each players’ contribution to the Clonmel side that day:

Dean O’ Regan turned in another fine performance as quarterback of the team. He worked especially well with the weapons he had and was calm in the pocket. O’ Regan completed the best part of 25 passes on the day and fired 4 touchdown passes. O’Regan was also proficient in the end zone completing passes to enable two 1 point conversions and one 2 point conversions. O’ Regan was also on the scoreboard through the ground. Backup Quarterback Kevin Cunningham threw a pass to him and O’ Regan avoided tacklers to storm into the end zone for his 1st receiving touchdown of the year. He also played well at cornerback - a departure from where he mainly plays at Safety and Linebacker.

Peter Cahill saw much more action than usual. He played at Safety and received praise for his overall influence on the game. Blitzes from the Safety position ensured that Tralee hurried passes. He covered well and made several tackles. As head coach he made use of the players he had. Cahill also called several plays and made changes that were very effective.

DeclanO’ Halloran was another potent weapon on offense. He played Center, just his second time at the position and he performed admirably. He made five catches - all over ten yards. Considered a remarkable feat due to the Center being the short option. He almost had a touchdown but the ball was overthrown and bounced off his fingertips. O’ Halloran also grabbed the ball for key 1st downs and did not make a falsesnap once. Very effective and unsung on the day.

Luke Lonergan also played well on the day. He was moved from his usual position of Center out wide to Wide Receiver. He recorded 7 receptions on his busiest day for the Warriors and got into the end zone for his 3rd touchdown of the year. He also played at Cornerback for the day covering the third receiver - again playing away from his normal position at Linebacker and recorded a deflection and a number of tackles. Played every down on the field. The author thoroughly enjoyed his stint at receiver on the day.

Kevin Cunningham showed his usual all round ability on the day. Playing at Receiver and Cornerback, he had a very successful day. On offense he caught two touchdowns passes and a one point and a two point conversion. On a brilliantly engineered trick play, he received the ball from O’ Regan and fired a pass to the latter for a long touchdown. Cunningham accounted for a massive 21 points on offense as the Warriors number one receiver had a superb day at work. On defense he was equally effective as he held down his opposing reciever, conceding no touchdown catches and had two deflections. Great day for Cunningham.

Eamon Quinlan gained his first start in just his second game for the Warriors at running back and linebacker. The rookie at just fourteen years of age played exceedingly well, to the delight of his team mates. On offense he ran well and caught a long bomb for a touchdown - his first ever. On offense he recorded two one point conversions, getting them with terrific catches. On defense, he had a solid day, getting several tackles and deflected the ball twice, one of them on 4th down. It was a great day for the rookie, much was placed on his shoulders and he responded very well scoring the second most points as a receiver. Quinlan is definitely one for the future and a nod to a possible Rookie of the Year.

As demonstrated, the Warriors had a highly successful day on offense but it was a hard outing on defense as they eventually slipped to a very capable Tralee team. Tralee have played the Warriors four times and this is their first win. The Warriors thank the Titans for their hospitality and facilities they provided. Clonmel look on to the future where more training and games await.

Luke Lonergan.